The European Accessibility Act (EAA), approved in 2019, will come into effect on June 28, 2025, bringing significant changes for businesses operating within the European Union. This legislation aims to harmonize accessibility requirements across all Member States, ensuring that products and services are accessible to people with disabilities and the elderly.
Objectives and Principles of the EAA
The EAA has the following main objectives:
- Equal Access: Ensure that approximately 87 million Europeans with disabilities, as well as elderly individuals, have equal access to essential products and services, promoting inclusion in areas such as education, employment, and basic services.
- Technical Standardization: Eliminate discrepancies in national legislation through the harmonization of technical standards in critical sectors such as technology, banking services, transportation, and e-commerce.
- Economic Efficiency: Reduce costs for small businesses and create a potential market for accessible products, benefiting both consumers and companies.
Impact on Websites and E-Commerce
Starting in June 2025, e-commerce websites with more than 10 employees or an annual turnover exceeding 2 million euros will be required to comply with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) at level AA, ensuring that people with different types of disabilities can effectively navigate and interact with websites.
Preparing for the EAA
To ensure compliance with the EAA, companies should:
- Assess the Current State: Conduct an accessibility audit of their websites and mobile applications to identify existing barriers.
- Implement Necessary Improvements: Fix the identified barriers, ensuring that content is perceivable, operable, understandable, and robust, in accordance with WCAG guidelines.
- Train Internal Teams: Equip development and design teams with accessibility best practices to ensure ongoing compliance.
- Monitor and Test Regularly: Establish continuous monitoring and testing processes to identify and correct new barriers that may arise.
Conclusion
The implementation of the European Accessibility Act marks a significant step toward a more inclusive society. For businesses, beyond fulfilling a legal obligation, adapting to these standards broadens audience reach and demonstrates a commitment to social responsibility. Proactively preparing for these changes is essential to ensure a smooth and beneficial transition for everyone involved.
